Submitted by admin on Tue, 12/01/2009 - 14:47
Although chronic diseases are leading causes of death and disability, they are neglected elements of the global health agenda. Of all deaths worldwide in 2005, 60% were caused by chronic diseases – principally cardiovascular diseases and diabetes (32%), cancer (13%), and chronic respiratory diseases (7%). Because the increase in chronic diseases is underappreciated, and their economic impact underestimated, many countries take little interest in their prevention, and leave the responsibility for management to individuals. The authors report on a multidisciplinary initiative to tackle the growing burden of chronic disease in Latin America.